Critics fawned over it, audiences fell for it, and my mother cried because of it. A Star Is Born has captivated crowds all across the globe, and I am now proud to count myself among the ranks of the ever-growing number of fans.

Part of its mass likability is due to the film’s relatively simple plot. Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a famous rock star and due to pure happenstance, he meets the musically-inclined, albeit unknown, Ally (Lady Gaga). As they begin to fall in love, Jack uses his platform to bring Ally into the spotlight as well. The rise of her growing popularity mirrors Jack’s growing drug addiction.

This relatively straightforward story has been incarnated multiple times, this newest release being the fourth version. Frankly, if all of them have been as good as the one I just saw, I can see why they keep being remade.

Firstly, this was a film about two musicians, therefore the music showcased was incredible. Shallow was the song that was given the most promotion and will be–mark my words–Oscar-nominated. Its swooping, grand qualities elevated by Gaga’s incredible, full sound make it an instant classic. Some of the more surprising numbers were those sung by Jack. I knew going into it that Ally would be a great singer, thanks to Gaga’s music background, but was pleasantly surprised by Cooper’s rough, rock’n’roll vocals. The song Black Eyes, in particular, did a great job of showcasing his unique tone.

Similarly to how Bradley Cooper, an actor, surprised me with his singing, Lady Gaga, a singer, blew me away with her acting. Ally was by far and wide the best character in the movie, and the struggles she went through were beautifully felt by the audience, thanks to Gaga’s range as an actress. She possesses the unteachable ability of subtlety. Every line she said had the implication of a dozen emotions behind it, yet she did it gracefully without overpowering the scene.

Visually, this movie was just as spectacular. It had many large and impressive shots of arenas and crowds, and it also had very intimate shots that were rich in detail. The colors were vibrant, and the cinematography was moving; it was a reminder of why film is art.

My absolute favorite aspect of the movie, however, was the fact that two main characters weren’t perfect. It realistically showed the hardships that come along with fame and the toll it can take on people, especially people in a relationship. Yes, a star was born, but at what cost? The film wasn’t all about happily ever afters, and it didn’t shy away from the “costs” that celebrities must pay.

A Star Is Born was a beautiful, timeless film that not only met, but exceeded the expectations I had for it. This version may have been the fourth of its kind, but it will no doubt still be remembered as a modern classic.